3 minute read

Darren Beadman reports on Godolphin stable runners at Doomben on June 3.

Queensland Oaks (2200m)

PYGMY: “I think the switch from the 2400m at Eagle Farm to the 2200m here is in her favour. She’s won really well at her last two at 2000m so it would have been a bigger step up in grade and distance had the race remained at Eagle Farm. Her mother won an Oaks in Adelaide and Tasmania, so she shouldn’t have any trouble at this trip. She’s drawn 19 which isn’t great but she gets back and she’s got Tommy Berry on top so he should be able to put her to sleep and get a nice run. It’s a great chance for her to get some black type.”

Moreton Cup (1200m)

FEDERAL: “He copped a lot of backwash behind Jungle Edge at Doomben a couple of weeks ago, so I’m not too bothered by how he went there. “Originally this was a longer race, but it’s back to 1200m here which isn’t ideal for him. His main race is down the track a bit yet. There’s a couple here in the next month that we’re looking at, but I still expect him to get a nice run from barrier two and if he does he can figure in the finish.”

HANDFAST: “This is also a trip that’s short of his best, but I didn’t want to give them too much time between runs. He was supposed to run in the Spear Chief, but they stretched that out to the mile so we’re running here.”

Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m)

KINSHACHI: “She’s going really well, I’m looking forward to her getting some nice cover and seeing Tommy produce her at the right time. She raced too keenly at Scone last start after a good performance at Hawkesbury.”

MATERNAL: “She won a restricted class race here two weeks ago at 1350m, so coming back to 1200 after the switch here was never going to be ideal. Then she drew 21, so we’ll have to see what we do.”